Well I got the itch to build a rear bumper so I bought some 3/16" plate steel and got started. I made a few original patterns and took some measurements off the original bumper. I cut everything with my angle grinder and some angle iron to make nice straight cuts and took my time.
I still have lots of welding to do on the back and front, then grinding to smooth it out of the front side. I am also going to add some gussets on the back side for some more strength.
I will also be adding some d-ring mounts and some led reverse lights from GENRIGHT. I have the steel for the swing out and the de sta co latch, just need to get my spindle hinge. I think I am going with the COMP4x4 double shear hinge.
I like how everything turned out so far except for the wrap around, it looks to square ish to me, so I am going to be cutting some angles into it then boxing the end off, I think.
I will be adding some more pics as I build the rest.
What do you guys think of it?

Looks good so far. Other than using the hitch bolts (which i think is great) are you going to tie it into any other locations? Like where the stock bumper mounts. I normally tie my d-rings plates and frame mounts together.

I like that double shear hinge, can never have to much strength on something like that.

Far as the ends, here's what I did on a JK bumper I built a few years ago.

__________________
This is my Jeep. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My Jeep is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I master my life. My Jeep, without me, is useless. Without my Jeep, I am useless.

xj4life
Those are some nice drawings! Looks like I was on the same page as you. I went out this afternoon and made some marks and found something I liked. So I started cutting those ends and I like how it turned out. And now Its pretty close to what you had.
I am actually not using the factory hitch bolts. I thought about it, but I am going to try and use all 6 factory mounting holes, plus 2 more. I cut some
1/2" plate frame brackets to tie it in. Then going to add 1 grade 8 through bolt on the frame where the factory put in the elongated hole each side.
Then somehow make and weld a bracket to the bumper to use the other 2 cross member mounts.
Here are a few more pics of my progress, with more to come over the weekend.

Made some Progress on it. Got all of my parts except for my Wheel studs, they should be here saturday. The main bumper is all welded and ground smooth. The back side is welded and gusseted still need to add my d-ring mounts and the led reverse lights.
For the swing away, I have the double sheer hinge from comp4x4 mounted and welded. The receiver is just tack welded then need to make the plate that mounts to the actual tire. I should have all the big stuff done and welded this weekend, hopefully.
Also, I do my latch a little different than some bumpers but I really like how it works. I have the latch assembly permanent on the bumper instead of the swing part, and put an angle on it, so it has the full pull of the latch to keep tight, it has worked great for me on the bumpers I have built.

Well I have been working on this for some time now, and have it all built, painted and mounted. I primed it with 2 coats and have 3 coats of duplicolor spray on bed liner. Pretty much done, just a few small minor things I want to change.
The led reverse lights in the lower section of the bumper have a weather proof quick connect in case I need to take the bumper off. The 3rd brake/taillight/license plate light also has a quick connect for if I have to actually use the spare. You can see the wring ran on the back side of the tire swing. And the tire on it now is the stock spare until I actually buy my full size 37" mud grappler and rim. The mount for the tire is adjustable for the larger width and backspace for my new rims/tires.

Overall I am very happy with how it came out, but I have lots of hours and about a total of $300 into it, but well worth it!

I will be building my front probably this winter, I will post that project when it gets started.

__________________
This is my Jeep. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My Jeep is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I master my life. My Jeep, without me, is useless. Without my Jeep, I am useless.

The only thing I would probably change or I will modify is how the tire holder part that slides into the receiver, is kind of wobbley. It doesn't rattle, but it does move more than I would like(just like putting a hitch in a receiver). So once I get my full size spare in the spring I will be addressing it.

The only thing I would probably change or I will modify is how the tire holder part that slides into the receiver, is kind of wobbley. It doesn't rattle, but it does move more than I would like(just like putting a hitch in a receiver). So once I get my full size spare in the spring I will be addressing it.

That is what I was actually thinking of doing. Welding a 1/2" nut to the top of the receiver and putting a bolt in it with a lock washer. And using it as a pinch bolt to hold it tight.
I did this exact thing to a bike rack I made for my brother worked out pretty good.
I have a trailer project finishing up right now in my barn, when that is out, its time to start the front bumper. Will update this thread when that starts.

__________________
This is my Jeep. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My Jeep is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I master my life. My Jeep, without me, is useless. Without my Jeep, I am useless.

That is what I was actually thinking of doing. Welding a 1/2" nut to the top of the receiver and putting a bolt in it with a lock washer. And using it as a pinch bolt to hold it tight.
I did this exact thing to a bike rack I made for my brother worked out pretty good.
I have a trailer project finishing up right now in my barn, when that is out, its time to start the front bumper. Will update this thread when that starts.

Pretty much exactly what I did when I built my rear bumper and works perfect. There really is no need for a lock washer as the bolt hitting the insert provides more than enough pressure to stop the bolt from backing out. I have had a 38.5" tire on it and not a single rattle.